10/02/2025
More reasons to care about your oral health! Certain oral bacteria have now been linked to an increased risk of Pancreatic Cancer.
We recommend dental hygiene visits every 6 months, and even more frequently for patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease. Visit our website at www.morrisparkdental.com to request an appointment and find out how our team of Cosmetic Dentists and Dental Specialists can help care for your oral and overall health.
🦠 Oral Microbes and Pancreatic Cancer: A Hidden Connection
A groundbreaking study from NYU Langone Health has found that certain microbes in the mouth can dramatically increase the risk of pancreatic cancer—the third deadliest cancer worldwide.
Researchers analyzed oral wash samples and health records from over 300,000 adults aged 50–70 and discovered that the presence of specific bacteria and fungi was strongly tied to pancreatic cancer development.
🔬 Key findings:
• The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eubacterium nodatum, Parvimonas micra, and the fungus Candida tropicalis were linked to a 250% higher risk.
• In total, 13 oral microbes were tied to higher risk while 8 were linked to lower risk, suggesting that the balance of oral microbiota plays a protective—or harmful—role.
• The microbes may travel from saliva into the digestive tract, potentially reaching the pancreas and influencing cancer risk.
Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 13%, mainly because it is usually diagnosed late. This study underscores the importance of oral health, suggesting that daily brushing and flossing could one day be considered part of cancer prevention.
Next, researchers plan to investigate whether oral viruses also contribute to pancreatic cancer.
📖 Source: NYU Langone Health (2025). “Oral Microbes Linked to Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer”
